Community Services Department Student Scholarships

If you are continuing your studies after getting a high school diploma or GED, and you’ve completed the Miami-Dade Community Services Department (CSD)-Diversion or Prevention Program, you might be eligible for one of the 13 scholarships worth $1,500 each. These scholarships are for attending an accredited college, university, technical, vocational or trade school.

Application dates will be posted here.

Eligibility:

• Individuals must be between the ages of 16-20 years old 
• Completion of a CSD Diversion or Prevention Program within a year of applying
• You are a high school senior or recent graduate from an accredited high school or GED program

Required Documents:

• Complete, sign and submit the scholarship application, including the following documents:
  • Proof of Miami-Dade County residency (State ID, driver's license, or passport)
  • Official transcript or copy of diploma (Official transcript must be sealed and mailed or hand-delivered to a CSD office (north, central or south locations)
  • Acceptance letter from a college, university, technical, vocational or trade school
  • Typed essay (1½ - 2 pages, Times New Roman 12-point font).
    Address these questions:
    • What are your future goals and career plans, personally and professionally
    • What would you like to study in college/vocational/trade school and why
    • How has your life experience prepared you for higher education

For more information about the application process, email [email protected] or call 305-755-6237.

The Miami-Dade Community Services Department (CSD) through its Family and Community Services Division Community Advisory Committees (CACs) is accepting scholarship applications for the 2026 school year. The extended deadline for submission is Friday, May 1. Achieving a higher education is an important life choice for young people and their families. CSD is offering 16 $2,000 CAC scholarships to deserving students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility:

• Individuals must: be between the ages of 16-25; a senior in high school or have obtained a high school diploma/GED; and currently enrolled in college or planning to enroll in Fall 2026
• Applicants must reside in Miami-Dade County in one of the following 16 target areas will be eligible for $2,000 award: Allapattah, Brownsville, Coconut Grove, Culmer/Overtown, Edison/Little River, Florida City, Goulds, Hialeah, Liberty City, Little Havana, Naranja, Opa-Locka, Perrine, South Beach, South Miami or Wynwood.
• Family income must fall within the 200 percent Poverty Income Guidelines of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) mandated requirements
• Have a minimum 2.0 GPA

Required Documents:

• Complete, sign and submit the scholarship application, including the following documents:
  •  Proof of income for everyone in the household (copy); see Section E 
  • Proof of address in target area: Driver’s License or State of Florida ID (copy) for all household members
  •  Proof of age: Birth Certificate or Driver’s License of applicant only (copy) 
  • Social Security Card for everyone in the household (copy)
  • Two recommendation letters
  • Copy of transcript and class schedule 
  • Typed essay (Times New Roman 12-point font). Address these questions:
    •  What does Community Action mean to you
    • What does being part of this community mean to you? Describe how your community has influenced your goals or values
    • Describe a leadership role you have held and what you learned from it
    • Have you faced any financial, personal, or educational barriers? If so, how have you managed them
    • What stimulated your interest in your chosen major and what attributes do you possess that you feel would enhance your career
    • Why are you a good candidate to receive this award

For more information about the application process, please visit www.miamidade.gov/socialservices or email [email protected].